Mennonite

[men-uh-nahyt]

noun

a member of an evangelical Protestant sect, originating in Europe in the 16th century, that opposes infant baptism, practices baptism of believers only, restricts marriage to members of the denomination, opposes war and bearing arms, and is noted for simplicity of living and plain dress.

Origin of Mennonite

1555–65; < German Mennonit; named after Menno Simons (1492–1559), Frisian religious leader; see -ite¹

Related formsMen·no·nit·ism, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for mennonites

Historical Examples of mennonites

The Pennsylvania Quakers and Mennonites were quick to plant gardens.
Home Life in Colonial Days
Alice Morse Earle
Before I tell you of the harvest, I must tell you of these Mennonites.
Adventures While Preaching the Gospel of Beauty
Nicholas Vachel Lindsay
The members ascribe their origin to the corruptions of the Mennonites.
Catholic World, Vol. XIII, April to September, 1871
Various
Such bodies are the Mennonites, the Dunkards, and the Quakers.
Prize Orations of the Intercollegiate Peace Association
Intercollegiate Peace Association
This is even the case in some districts among the Mennonites.
Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel
John Yeardley

British Dictionary definitions for mennonites

Mennonite

noun

a member of a Protestant sect that rejects infant baptism, Church organization, and the doctrine of transubstantiation and in most cases refuses military service, public office, and the taking of oaths

Derived FormsMennonitism, noun

Word Origin for Mennonite

C16: from German Mennonit, after Menno Simons (1496–1561), Frisian religious leader

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for mennonites

Mennonite

member of an Anabaptist sect, 1560s, from name of Menno Simons (1492-1559), founder of the sect in Friesland, + -ite (1). As an adjective by 1727. Alternative form Mennonist (n.) attested from 1640s.

mennonites in Culture

Mennonites

A Protestant denomination, founded in the early days of the Reformation, whose members believe in living with great simplicity and who refuse to hold public office or to serve in the military. Some are as strict as the Amish in rejecting modern conveniences, such as automobiles and radios. There are numerous Mennonite communities in Pennsylvania and the Middle West.